Enrico Passarella, Author at The Cult of Calcio

With Alexis Saelemaekers going down with a serious knee injury in the Empoli game, Milan have started to revisit the possibility of adding a right winger in January.

Milan Take Interest in Midtjylland Latest Revelation

October 4, 2022 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023, Transfer Market

With Alexis Saelemaekers going down with a serious knee injury in the Empoli game, Milan have started to revisit the possibility of adding a right winger in January. They thought about it last summer but ultimately preferred investing in other positions. They are eyeing Chelsea's Hakim Ziyech and Gustav Isaksen.

Former Inter owner Massimo Moratti addressed the rumors linking José Mourinho to a potential Nerazzurri comeback and their season in general.

Massimo Moratti Voices His All-Around Concern for Inter

October 4, 2022 Enrico Passarella Inter Milan, Italian Football, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023

Former Inter owner Massimo Moratti is worried about the direction of the team both on and off the pitch. However, he’s not in favor of making rash decisions to try righting the ship: "We can certainly call it a crisis, but we aren’t very distant from the other top sides."

Italian entrepreneur Raffaello Follieri attempted to orchestrate a negotiation to take over Roma backed by some Saudi investors.

Roma Formally Commence Procedure to Build New Stadium

October 4, 2022 Enrico Passarella Italian Football, Roma, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023

Roma have begun the process to build their new stadium in the Pietralata neighborhood after the new ownership nixed the previous project due to a host of bureaucratic issues. The goal is to have it ready for 2027 when the club celebrates its centenary. The new site is less problematic.

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin participated in a pair of conventions in Italy after announcing that he would run again for the position.

Ceferin Responds to Napoli Chief, Snubs Super League

October 4, 2022 Enrico Passarella AFCON, Champions League, Europa League, Italian Football, Napoli, Roma, Serie A, Super League

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin participated in a pair of conventions in Italy after announcing that he would run again for the position. He spoke about a few topics, including Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis previously stating that teams should be able to block players from participating in the African Cup of Nations.

The switch from Napoli to Chelsea hasn’t gone well for Kalidou Koulibaly. The Blues finished in the middle of the table following a confusing season.

Chelsea Star Discusses Start and Departure from Napoli

October 3, 2022 Enrico Passarella Chelsea, Italian Football, Napoli, Serie A, Transfer Market

Kalidou Koulibaly hasn’t had an impressive start at Chelsea after joining from Napoli. Freshly appointed Graham Potter benched him in his first two matches at the helm. The gaffer motivated it by saying he preferred relying on players who knew the environment better. The Senegalese star revisited the situation and his transfer.

José Mourinho once again surprised with his selection and tactics in Inter-Roma, and his gamble fully paid off, benching Abraham and using Dybala instead.

Mourinho Keeps Opponents Guessing with Surprising Moves

October 3, 2022 Enrico Passarella Italian Football, Roma, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023

José Mourinho once again surprised with his selection and tactics in Inter-Roma, and his gamble fully paid off. While everybody was wondering whether Paulo Dybala would be available after missing the previous game and the two Argentina friendlies due to a small injury, he never had any doubt and benched Tammy Abraham.

Alexis Saelemaekers rounded out the score against Napoli with a great slalom and shot, putting the finishing touches on the shocking 0-4 victory.

Three More Milan Players Suffer Significant Injuries

October 3, 2022 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Italian Football, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023

Milan came away with three points in Empoli but also lost three regulars due to fairly major injuries. Alexis Saelemaekers suffered the most serious one. He has been diagnosed with an MCL sprain in the left knee and will be out for six-to-eight weeks. Davide Calabria and Simon Kjaer sustained thigh strains.

Inzaghi thinks he deserves a new deal. However, the club wants to turn the page and hire a coach ‘who doesn't walk on a ledge’ when it comes to transfers.

Inzaghi Worsens His Position But Will Stay at the Helm

October 3, 2022 Enrico Passarella Inter Milan, Italian Football, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023

Despite yet another dispiriting loss, Inter aren’t seriously considering firing Simone Inzaghi yet, even though he’s facing more and more scrutiny. The next three matches will be equally challenging. They will take on Barcelona twice and the high-flying Sassuolo next. The coach irked president Steven Zhang with some remarks.

Alex Sandro has entered the final year of his contract with Juventus. The club unsuccessfully tried to offload him in recent windows.

Juventus Fullback Comments on His Contractual Situation

October 3, 2022 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023, Transfer Market

Alex Sandro has entered the final year of his contract with Juventus. The club, which unsuccessfully tried to offload him in recent windows, is seemingly already working to replace him. But the fullback left the door open for a continuation of the relationship after the Bologna game.

Sampdoria didn’t bounce back in the first game after the break, as they lost three-nil to Monza at home, and the management quickly fired Marco Giampaolo.

Sampdoria Mulling Their Options After Sacking Giampaolo

October 3, 2022 Enrico Passarella Italian Football, Sampdoria, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023

Sampdoria didn’t bounce back in the first game after the break, as they lost three-nil to Monza at home, and the management quickly fired Marco Giampaolo. The Blucerchiati are still winless after eight rounds and sit at the bottom of the table with just two points.

Juventus aren’t the only ones tracking Remy Bensebaini, as Inter pursued him in the past and are ready to rekindle their interest.

Inter to Challenge Juventus for ‘Gladbach Wing-Back

September 30, 2022 Enrico Passarella Borussia Moenchengladbach, Calciomercato, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023, Transfer Market

Juventus aren’t the only ones tracking Remy Bensebaini, as Inter pursued him in the past and are ready to rekindle their interest, should he really decide not to extend his expiring contract with Borussia Monchengladbach. The pursuit of the Nerazzurri hinges on the performances and future of Robin Gosens.

José Mourinho discussed the upcoming clash between Inter and Roma, re-examined portions of his career, and weighed in on Francesco Totti possibly returning.

Mourinho Talks Totti and His Inter and Roma Spells

September 30, 2022 Enrico Passarella Inter Milan, Italian Football, Roma, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023

José Mourinho discussed the upcoming clash between Inter and Roma, re-examined portions of his career, and weighed in on the possible return of Francesco Totti to the Giallorossi in an interview: "It’s impossible for me to choose between my victories. Every trophy is unique in its own way."

Author: Enrico Passarella